Toyota has unveiled the HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle) at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show.
Next year Toyota Australia is going to begin local production of the Camry Hybrid and to publicize it, Toyota has created the HC-CV for the show. The concept is basically the 2010 Camry Hybrid wish a modified front fascia, new wheels, decals and new leather seats with a wave-like graphic reminiscent of the Hybrid Synergy Drive logo.
PRESS RELEASE:
TOYOTA HINTS AT ITS LOCAL HYBRID FUTURE
Toyota Australia has celebrated winning the right to manufacture a hybrid car in Australia by producing a stylish concept car.
Developed locally by Toyota Style Australia, the HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle) had its world premiere ahead of the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.
The unveiling of the concept car marks the start of a 12-month countdown to the launch of Australia's first locally produced hybrid car, based on the best-selling Camry sedan.
Toyota Australia president and chief executive officer Max Yasuda said the concept car was the most important vehicle on the company's motor show stand.
"The startling paintwork, dramatic lines and sporty appearance of this concept car convey the excitement and passion in our company to produce Australia's first hybrid car," Mr Yasuda said.
"The hybrid Camry - which will share some key design features with the HC-CV - will play a key role in bringing the future to the Australian automotive manufacturing sector.
"It is a future that uses less fuel while delivering better performance."
The hybrid Camry uses a four-cylinder petrol engine linked to a powerful electric motor.
It produces more power than a conventional petrol-engine vehicle while delivering better fuel economy.
Mr Yasuda said many industry commentators were urging carmakers to produce more fuel-efficient cars.
"Toyota is already the only local manufacturer producing a four-cylinder car in this country. We have been building Camry in this country - in Melbourne - for nearly 22 years.
"It's been Australia's best-selling medium car for 15 years - and it's our leading automotive export.
"Toyota also produces the most fuel-efficient Australian-made large six-cylinder sedan, the Aurion, in Melbourne.
"Our locally manufactured hybrid Camry will be launched early next year."
Contemporary hybrid design
Toyota Style Australia corporate manager Paul Beranger said Toyota has evolved the styling of its hybrid vehicles since the late 1990s.
"HC-CV is our expression of the contemporary hybrid sedan," he said.
The front of the car is characterised by expressive, sharp lines and taught surfaces. It echoes the latest Toyota Hybrid styling cues, with vertical fog lamps, larger lower opening and a streamlined upper grille.
"The crisp corners indicate aerodynamic efficiency, while the overall styling feel is efficient, yet dynamic," Mr Beranger said.
"The lower grille texture is a random pattern, inspired by forms found in nature, moving away from traditional constructed patterns," he said.
The "aero" theme continues along the side skirts, which flow into the rear diffuser, giving a sporty, yet lightweight and functional appearance. The rear spoiler enhances the visual appeal.
The headlights are symbolic of Toyota's hybrid image with a blue hue. They fuse technical elements with natural forms. Some lenses have a waterfall impression, while others are functional, lightweight and technical in appearance. The rear LED lamps, also with a blue hue, provide an unmistakable hybrid look.
Toyota logos on the car are also highlighted by a translucent blue hue. The satin chrome front grille, mirrors and rear boot-lid garnish add to the clean, crisp image.
The wheels are a combination of shear, overlayed surfaces and graphics.
The body colour is unique - a satin white pearl with subtle blue highlights to provide a serene, calm feeling. The paint allows intricate detailing and features to show through.
The interior uses contrasting coloured trim. Highlights of metallic blue have been applied asymmetrically to the seats in a wave-like graphic reminiscent of the Hybrid Synergy Drive logo.
The seat embossing echoes the exterior grille mesh with a tree bark-like pattern. White stitching adds a subtle, yet premium touch. Satin chrome accents tie in with the exterior and add to the tranquil environment.
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Comments (16)
The front bumper looks good, but those seats look horrible.
Posted by Totenglocke | February 23, 2009 10:51 AM
Posted on February 23, 2009 10:51
So its just a tricked out Camry Hybrid? What's the point?
Posted by gm0n3y | February 23, 2009 11:52 AM
Posted on February 23, 2009 11:52
ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh............
Posted by Bradford | February 23, 2009 1:21 PM
Posted on February 23, 2009 13:21
what is the point of a hybrid article if it doesn't mention the mpg?
Posted by Patrick | February 23, 2009 3:16 PM
Posted on February 23, 2009 15:16
Whats up with those seats and tail lights? Tghe seats look like something out of the 60's Star Trek TV series and the tail lights look like some cheap aftermarket tail lights.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | February 23, 2009 3:39 PM
Posted on February 23, 2009 15:39
lol at the tricked out behemoth ricer.
I suppose this is for the fast and the furious 30 somethings.
Posted by Sandman | February 23, 2009 3:41 PM
Posted on February 23, 2009 15:41
@ Sandman:
What's so "ricey" about this car??? I don't see it slammed to the ground with a 40-inch rear spoiler and 20-inch chrome wheels. Obviously you must be referring to the "ricey" nature of the taillights, which is just your negative backlash to the influx of cleared out and/or semi-cleared lights permeated by the highly successful "euro" styling of the TOYOTA (keyword: Toyota) Altezza. And you'd have to admit that the styling of the Altezza WAS a runaway hit, otherwise we wouldn't be seeing all of these "altezzas" around eBay.
Seriously, I hate ignorant and ego/ethnocentric trash like you who coin every "slammed" and "bling'ed-out" compact vehicle a "ricer." I don't see that as being too different from a bone stock '67 mustang with "racing" stripes and a huge hood scoop decorated with flames. Wow, must have gained 45 whp just from the flames alone. Yea...catch my drift, Sandman??? To each their own, I say. Oh...and by the way, there's a reason why concept cars have the word "concept;" mainly a study in design and gouging public interest, buddy. Also look up "aerodynamics" and "drag coefficient" while you waste your life away on the Internet.
Lastly, I hate The Fast and the Furious with a passion, but I'm sure most cars in that movie are faster and quicker than your 1994 Geo Metro. Can't say the same about gas mileage though; maybe your Metro will win in that area. ;)
Posted by lotsofTRidiots | February 23, 2009 8:32 PM
Posted on February 23, 2009 20:32
RICE = Race Inspired Cosmetic Enhancement
Yes, I agree there is a lot of RICE old Mustangs, and there are a lot of NICE old Hondas... however, you tend to see more rice with the Hondas, unfortunately...
This Honda is not overdone, it is not ricey, and it is all right. I doubt anyone would buy it though.... but then again, the new space-age Civic design has done well enough.
Posted by Joan of Arc | February 23, 2009 10:15 PM
Posted on February 23, 2009 22:15
C'mon, LOOK at it. Those tires have a blue stripe on them, reminds you of those tires that had 3 colored stripes in the tread made whoever about a decade back. The blue colored headlight assembly...Big, fat, plated rims...Imagine if you see this on the street, all blue and with those funky seats. Admit it, It does look kinda gaudy.
Posted by vtfo0lio | February 23, 2009 11:00 PM
Posted on February 23, 2009 23:00
Toyota is simply playing it safe, taking a common and trusted car and adding a few touches to it rather than introduce a new design in a bad market. There are many new models on the way that will compete with this car with better style and performance (IMO of course), so they are trying to keep customers focused on them.
Nothing about this car is special, simply some aftermarket additions and lots of hype to try to sell it. Toyota Camry lovers, please follow. (Baaaaa).
Posted by sparky | February 24, 2009 9:35 AM
Posted on February 24, 2009 09:35
@Joan of Arc
Umm.....this is a Toyota.
Posted by 426Hemi | February 24, 2009 9:45 AM
Posted on February 24, 2009 09:45
I can't even begin to list what is wrong with this car, oh wait, yes I can!
The stripe on the seats is terrible, the blue 'accents' on the tail lights is cheap looking, and they can't even put the steering wheel on the proper side of the car!
Lame all around.
Posted by Chad | February 24, 2009 9:56 AM
Posted on February 24, 2009 09:56
Am I the only one who notest the Toyota Australia part?
Posted by 426Hemi | February 24, 2009 12:46 PM
Posted on February 24, 2009 12:46
(REDO)
Am I the only one who noticed the Toyota Australia part?
Posted by 426Hemi | February 24, 2009 3:35 PM
Posted on February 24, 2009 15:35
Whoops... meant to type Toyota... wife was talking about Hondas at the time. At least I got the ethnicity right!
Posted by Joan of Arc | February 24, 2009 10:59 PM
Posted on February 24, 2009 22:59
@ lotsofTRidiots
Yeah ok buddy, ego trip much. Take your gay ass Toyota with the homosexual blue seat stripe and shove it up your drag coefficient ass. Hows that buddy?
Its funny you can claim I'm wasting my life away while your sorry ass is posting here as well. Doesn't that make your life equally shit... Yes, look away now and around your moms basement.
Seriously, I equally hate ignorant and ego/ethnocentric trash like yourself who doesnt coin every "slammed" and "bling'ed-out" compact vehicle a "ricer" and can yet coin phrase european headlights being sold for jack shit nothing on ebay.
And the only thing metro here is probably between your legs and on those enormously metro fan blade rims on a four door sedan. Ghetto fabulous Toyotas in Aussie land.
Posted by Sandman | February 25, 2009 7:35 AM
Posted on February 25, 2009 07:35